Is Wenger’s comparison of RVP to Messi a justified one?

It’s something that the media and fans alike will probably twist and turn, but Arsene Wenger recently claimed that Robin van Persie, who netted 99th and 100th goal for Arsenal this past Saturday against Bolton at the Emirates, is similar to Barca star Lionel Messi:

‘Positional-wise he’s a bit like (Lionel) Messi, he drifts in and out and plays five minutes centre forward then after that comes back. The club knows he is an exceptional player.’

RVP is a fantastic player for club and country and I for am thrilled that he has now hit 100 goals for the Gunners. Hopefully Arsenal will have turned a corner after the thumping they gave Bolton. However, is Wenger’s comparison between the Dutchman and Argentine a justified one?

In my view, yes is it.

The key words you need to look at to decide this is ‘Positional-Wise’. Wenger is not saying that RVP is up there with the likes of Messi, the Frenchman is simply claiming that both players share the same kind of role and style for their respective clubs.

In my opinion, Messi is the best player in the world and I don’t think that anyone would be so naive to suggest that RVP is ‘as good’ as he is. Wenger is simply giving RVP praise where it is deserved and is trying to stop people asking him the same question that Sky Sports asked him after the clubs latest match.

Wenger was once again asked – ‘Why do you play Robin Van Persie as a centre forward’

To which the Le Boss replied:

‘He is an untypical centre forward because many times I hear ‘Why do you play him centre forward?’ because he’s not what you call the typical striker.’

Hats off to Wenger for the comparison, because I feel he has hit the nail on the head.

I just hope that Arsenal have now found their feet and will drive themselves up the top of the Premier League table where they belong.

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